A pilot clinical trial conducted by researchers in Canada has provided evidence that cannabinoid-based medicines may positively influence inflammation-related processes in people with HIV.
The study, published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, enrolled 10 participants living with HIV who were already receiving antiretroviral therapy. Five received capsules containing cannabidiol (CBD) alone, while five were given CBD combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with doses gradually increased over 12 weeks. Eight participants completed the study.
Researchers tracked endocannabinoidome (eCBome) mediators in the blood and gut microbiota composition to evaluate the biological effects of cannabinoid treatment. Results showed that levels of two monoacylglycerols—2-eicosapentaenoylglycerol (2-EPG) and 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG)—declined significantly after treatment in both groups. No other eCBome mediators showed meaningful changes.
Analysis of gut bacteria revealed differences between the two groups at baseline, and those differences remained throughout the study. However, participants in the THC+CBD group showed lower relative abundance of Coprobacillus and Lachnospiraceae UCG001, while Collinsella was higher compared to those in the CBD-only group.
The researchers noted that while the sample size was small, these findings suggest cannabinoid medicines can alter certain endocannabinoid mediators linked to inflammation. Larger clinical studies will be needed to determine whether these biological changes translate into tangible benefits for people with HIV.
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